Legal support for artificial intelligence technologies in the practice of pesticide application: a comparative analysis of legal regulation

The article examines the processes of digital transformation of the agro-industrial complex in the context of the use of artificial intelligence technologies in the use of pesticides. The subject of research in this article is the legal relations that arise in the process of using pesticides in agriculture in the context of the introduction and use of artificial intelligence technologies, including the features of algorithmic management, issues of responsibility allocation and the specifics of legal regulation of digital agricultural technologies. The relevance of the introduction of intelligent systems in agriculture in the context of population growth and limited expansion of agricultural land is substantiated. It is shown that algorithms of machine learning, computer vision and big data analysis make it possible to move from average chemical processing models to precision and individualized application of plant protection products, reducing the environmental burden and increasing production efficiency. Special attention is paid to legal aspects: the fragmented nature of Russian regulation is revealed, focused mainly on the chemical and sanitary characteristics of pesticides and not taking into account the specifics of algorithmic decision-making. A comparative analysis of foreign approaches has been conducted, primarily the European Union model with its risk-based regulation of artificial intelligence and the precautionary principle, as well as American practices based on industry standards and administrative control. The relevance of the topic is due to the need for legal understanding and regulation of the use of artificial intelligence in the use of pesticides in the context of digitalization of the agro-industrial complex, growing food demand and increased environmental and legal risks. It was analyzed that the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies into the agro-industrial complex is an objective necessity due to the growth of food demand with limited opportunities for expanding agricultural land, and can significantly increase the efficiency and environmental sustainability of pesticide use through the transition to precision and individualized processing methods. At the same time, the current legal regulation in the Russian Federation is not adapted to the conditions of algorithmic management and autonomous decision-making, which creates regulatory uncertainty and risks, primarily in the area of the distribution of legal liability for possible harm. Under these conditions, the formation of an integrated and risk-based legal mechanism that takes into account the specifics of the use of artificial intelligence in crop production and based on the best foreign practices is a prerequisite for the safe and sustainable development of the agricultural sector.

artificial intelligence, agroindustrial complex, pesticides, legal regulation, smart agriculture, standardization, biosafety, comparative analysis, AI Act, agriculture